Young Adult Carers

Renfrewshire Carers Centre

Renfrewshire Young Adult Carers is an exciting project within Renfrewshire Carers Centre which aims to support young people aged 18-24yrs who looks after a parent, guardian, sibling or other family member who has an illness, disability, is affected by mental health issues or substance misuse

Enabling Student Carers:- Introductions and Caring Responsibilities

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Renfrewshire Young Adult Carers is an exciting project within Renfrewshire Carers Centre which aims to support young people aged 18-24yrs who looks after a parent, guardian, sibling or other family member who has an illness, disability, is affected by mental health issues or substance misuse

In the UK approx 250,000 young adult carers provide an average of 20 hours unpaid care per week totalling an estimated 60-70million pounds worth of unpaid care.

Whilst caring can be extremely rewarding it also brings it’s own challenges. Many young adult carers have spoken about how caring has impacted on their own physical health, mental health, education and employment opportunitiesYoung adult carers can quite often face particular barriers and challenges during this time

‘At a time when others their age are leaving school and making plans for employment, training and education, young adult carers often have to deal with demands, responsibilities and emotions that limit their future opportunities’Scottish Government, 2010

Young adult carers are at a time in their lives that involves a lot of decision making and a lot of change. From considering where to apply for university/college, what career to pursue to deciding to get a place of their own to stay. It is important we identify Young adult carers and let them know how they can benefit from the support offered by Renfrewshire Young adult Carers project.

The Project providesOne to one supportWhere the young adult can discuss issues such as employment, education or housing with our support workerGroup supportWhere the young people come together and provide support to each other.

Social outings and meetingsProviding young adult carers with a break from their caring role

TrainingTraining can be based around the young persons caring role or topics that will help with the young persons health and wellbeing.

ForumWhere the young adult carers can voice their views and influence the services and supportsthat are available to them and their cared for.

If you think you or someone you know are a young adult carer and would like to join the group, get more information, or even just chat about how we could help, don't hesitate to call us.